In case you haven't heard, Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers has been suspended for the remainder of the 2013 season as part of the Biogenesis investigation conducted by Major League Baseball.

Without rehashing the saga of lies which ultimately got Braun off the hook after previously testing positive for elevated testosterone levels in 2011, his essential admittance of 'juicing' on Monday not only ruined any and all credibility of the individual, but also added another deceitful stain to the game's already tarnished image.

This is the same guy who was named National League MVP two seasons ago. He was the face of a franchise and one of baseball's young stars. He appealed to fans, sponsors and members of the media — making his claim of being a victim of failed protocol regarding the collection process in 2011 somewhat believable. In fact, all the above directly correlated to his initial suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs being overturned last February.

This time, Braun wasn't able to work the system. Well, just not to the same extent.

Mentioned as one of a dozen or so players connected to Biogenesis, a Florida-based clinic linked to distributing PEDs, Braun managed to cut a deal with MLB to limit his suspension to only the remainder of this year, allowing him to return to the Brewers at the beginning of 2014.

In all, Braun's suspension includes the final 65 games of the regular season and any possible postseason games, which seem very unlikely for a Brewers' team currently in the basement of the NL Central. His monetary loss will total $3.25 million and his reputation is undoubtedly ruined.

Still, the repercussions felt by baseball are immeasurable.

According to sources, more suspensions resulting from the Biogenesis investigation are imminent, with the likes of Alex Rodriguez, Nelson Cruz, Bartolo Colon and Melky Cabrera expected to receive varying forms of punishment.

Considering the sprawling allegations, it's hard not to question most everything we thought was good about the game.

Growing up in the proclaimed steroid era, I too watched Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds launch bomb after bomb into the seats, only to find out little was 'natural' about their power.

Consequently, after the league feverishly began its battle against PEDs, I don't believe any of us were naïve enough to think the game was completely clean. That doesn't mean we weren't hoping for the contrary.

Now we come to find out not only has the fraud continued, but it has potentially been on the rise.

Objectively, Braun and Rodriguez are two of the best players of this generation. Following the recent and future fallout, that statement will include an asterisk. As do so many statistical accomplishments of the past two decades.

Page 2 of 2 - The widespread usage is commonly referred to as casting a 'black cloud' over baseball. That 'black cloud' is quickly turning into a tornado capable of erasing modern-day credibility altogether.

For all that Chris Davis has done through the first half of this season — hitting a league-leading 37 home runs for the Orioles — the perhaps unfair, yet unavoidable question must be asked: Is he clean? Prior to 2013, Davis' previous career-high was 33.

Instead of collective praise, doubt looms. Much as it continues to across baseball.

It's the reality of what PEDs have done to America's pastime.

Braun, along with several others likely to be pegged for 'juicing' in the coming weeks, just reaffirms it.